Being treated with acupuncture these days where thin needles are inserted into various points in the body is common. It’s a treatment that has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Pain relief is one of the treatments acupuncture is regularly prescribed for, but it is used for many other ailments as well.

You may not be aware that today many pets are treated with acupuncture. This is not something new. Over three thousand years ago, horses used in the Chinese army were treated with acupuncture by men known as ‘Horse Priests’. Today, in China’s affluent society where pets are becoming an important part of a family home, cats and dogs as well as other pets are regular acupuncture patients.

Like humans, the treatments for animals are to help pain and to stimulate blood circulation. The needles are placed into areas of an animal’s body where nerve endings and blood vessels come together. These are known as acupuncture points. Dr. Tara Edwards, a veterinary medical acupuncturist, said in an interview with the American Kennel Club,

“Acupuncture is minimally invasive with little or no side effects. Pet owners may be happy to try using it alongside other conventional treatments. Most pets do not notice the needles being placed and can often relax during a treatment. It’s not uncommon for dogs to fall asleep during or immediately after an acupuncture session.”

One exceptional story about animals and acupuncture comes from Brazil, South America. The local zoo kept an alligator they called Bino. Bino suffered from a number of complaints including a curved spine. A vet was brought in who successfully treated him with acupuncture. It was reported that Bino relaxed when the needles were inserted into his body, and he did not move around. The vet did, however, have to tape Bino’s jaws together firmly before getting started!

Acupuncture for pet dogs:

QUESTION:

VOCABULARY: